Maidstone United goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jr leaves the club and will be moving to Belgium

Goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jr has left Maidstone after rejecting a new contract.

Andre Jr, 27, joined the Stones last summer as the replacement for popular Brazilian Lucas Covolan.

The Frenchman kept 26 clean sheets in 54 appearances as United reached the National League South play-off final.

He was offered terms but will be leaving England for Belgium.

“We wanted to keep Alexis at Maidstone United Football Club, but he has decided to relocate to Belgium,” said Stones boss George Elokobi.

“I said in interviews recently that he was the best goalkeeper in the National League South this season, and I stand by that. The stats support it too.

“He joined us last summer with big shoes to fill after the previous season. We challenged him to knuckle down and complete a full campaign – and he did just that.

“We thank him for his excellent contribution this season and wish him every happiness and success in the future.”

Andre Jr’s decision comes after Elokobi had spoken of the challenge of keeping top players at the club after missing out on promotion.

The Stones lost Sunday’s play-off final 1-0 to Boreham Wood.